Korean Air Unveils Major Expansion of A380 Operations on Seoul-Los Angeles Route to Meet Rising Travel Demand Between South Korea and the US

Published on April 27, 2025

Korean Air is expanding its new A380 operations between Seoul (ICN) and Los Angeles (LAX) in response to the growing demand for travel between South Korea and the US. Starting in June 2025, the airline will reintroduce the Airbus A380 on this popular route, marking a significant shift in its flight schedule as it aims to offer more capacity during peak travel periods. This move comes as a direct response to a surge in passenger demand and rising competition in the US-South Korea travel market, with Korean Air leveraging its A380 fleet to enhance long-haul connectivity, ensure a premium experience, and accommodate the increasing number of travelers between the two regions.

Korean Air is set to boost its A380 operations between Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), in response to a surge in travel demand. Currently, the airline utilizes the Boeing 747-8 for its 14 weekly flights on the Seoul-Los Angeles route. However, starting in June, the airline will bring the Airbus A380-800 back into service, marking a significant shift in its flight schedule.

The airline plans to increase its A380 frequency, with four weekly flights between Seoul and Los Angeles in June and July, representing a 33.3% rise in both flight frequency and seat capacity. In August 2025, Korean Air will ramp up to five weekly A380 flights, including a shift from the Boeing 747-8 to the A380 on Saturdays, resulting in a 25% increase in capacity compared to previous months.

A380 Takes Center Stage Again From September to October, Korean Air will return to four weekly A380 flights between Seoul and Los Angeles, with a total of 1,628 seats available in each direction. As part of its winter 2025 schedule, the airline is set to operate all 14 weekly flights with the A380, a strategic move aimed at reinforcing its long-haul services, especially along the high-traffic Seoul-Los Angeles route.

Korean Air’s fleet on this route includes both the Airbus A380-800, with a seating capacity of 407, and the Boeing 747-8, which seats 368 passengers per flight. This versatile mix of aircraft allows the airline to adjust its seating capacity based on demand while offering exceptional comfort, particularly in premium cabins.

Contrary to previous reports in December, which suggested that Korean Air would phase out the A380 on this route in favor of more Boeing 747-8 aircraft, the latest Cirium data indicates that passengers traveling between Los Angeles and Seoul will continue to enjoy the luxury of the superjumbo jet well into the summer months.

Rising Demand Fuels Capacity Increase The introduction of more A380 flights is part of Korean Air’s broader strategy to dominate the premium market between South Korea and the United States. The decision to enhance its A380 service underscores the airline’s responsiveness to the strong demand and the need to accommodate more travelers during peak periods. Los Angeles remains one of the busiest hubs on the transpacific route, and Korean Air is determined to provide its passengers with more options for travel between the two cities.

Korean Air’s efforts are bolstered by its recent merger with Asiana Airlines, which operates daily services on the same route using a mix of A380-800 and Airbus A350-900 aircraft. In addition, Korean hybrid airline Air Premia competes on the same route, offering cost-effective options with the Boeing 787-9, catering to travelers seeking affordable alternatives.

Korean Air’s Updated Flight Schedule and Seat Capacity for ICN-LAX Route (2025)

Korean Air Extends A380 Operations Amid Rising Demand

Korean Air currently operates four Airbus A380s out of a total fleet of seven, with an average age of 11.4 years. Initially, the airline had planned to phase out its A380s by 2026, but in light of increasing travel demand, it has opted to extend the aircraft’s operational life. This decision comes as a response to delays in aircraft manufacturing across the industry, which have been exacerbated by the ongoing effects of the pandemic on the global aviation sector.

Korean Air is reintroducing the A380 on its Seoul-Los Angeles route starting June 2025, responding to the rising demand for travel between South Korea and the US. This move will increase capacity and offer more options for travelers during peak seasons.

Korean Air’s move to keep its A380s in service mirrors similar decisions made by other major carriers, including Lufthansa and Qatar Airways. These airlines have also opted to retain their A380s longer than originally intended. The aircraft continues to prove its value on long-haul routes, particularly along high-demand corridors such as those connecting the US and Asia.